Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 427

Chapter 427
Our route to Podarlap Palace was diverging sharply from what we had initially anticipated.

We had presumed we would retrace our steps—going back to the spot where we first encountered Dorje, and then proceeding to the palace from that point. However, Tenzin intended to lead us far to the west, traversing the mountain chains of northeastern India.
He informed us that Podarlap Palace was situated nearer to the central-northern part of the country.
Consequently, our present course was set toward central-northern India.

“This is a totally different trail from our incoming one, correct?”
“In truth, this is the most direct path to Podarlap Palace. That initial meeting place—it involves a much more roundabout journey.”
Tenzin provided this explanation as he led the way. From further back in the group, Ji-ryong called out a question.
“What of the Muslims? Could they pose an issue?”
He was inquiring whether we might encounter Muslim patrols along this new route. Tenzin shook his head without hesitation.
“You witnessed that village, did you not? They do not monitor these highland regions closely. And on the occasions they do appear, their stays are typically brief. The previous pursuit occurred solely because we had taken a forbidden sutra from the city. That is why they gave chase.”
He was undoubtedly referring to the village where ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) we were received as celestial visitors.
We had entered that village warily, concerned that Muslim hunters might be lying in ambush for Dorje.
Tenzin’s comment brought to mind the offering I had left there the previous night.
‘I hope the village chief discovered it?’
Our initial plan had been to visit the sealed temple and then go back to the village to bid farewell.
Despite the circumstances being founded on a misconception, the villagers had aided us in hunting the Five Venoms Sect and had been exceptionally hospitable—providing food, and even preparing my favorite, curry.
Nonetheless, uncertain of how they might perceive our sudden departure, we concluded it best for me to slip back alone under cover of darkness and leave a token of gratitude.
Several silver ingots as thanks, deposited within the cave that had served as our quarters.
They might eventually believe a deity had ascended, leaving treasures in its wake—but well, we would be long gone and spared from the ensuing tales, correct?
I had already abandoned any hope of fully correcting their misapprehensions.
Tenzin mentioned that such an amount of silver would be a significant boon for the village. I truly hoped it would make their lives a little easier.

As I was reflecting on this, Ji-ryong gave a nod.
“Then it seems we need not be overly concerned.”
Everyone had appeared somewhat anxious when Ji-ryong raised the subject of the Muslims, but his composed manner helped settle their nerves.
The party placed a considerable amount of trust in Ji-ryong.
I quickened my pace for a few steps to draw even with Tenzin and posed another question.
“Are the Muslims truly so formidable?”
“No. They are merely numerous. They are not practitioners of martial arts, so they are not particularly threatening. The true difficulty is our inability to confront them directly. Causing harm to their government soldiers would result in heightened border security and increased scrutiny. That would greatly hinder Podarlap Palace’s ongoing mission to reclaim lost sutras.”
“I understand, that is the reason then.”
Even though some martial artists from Podarlap Palace had been wounded, it was not due to the enemy’s prowess. It was because they could not risk provoking an incident that would draw attention.
Killing state troops would only lead to intensified patrols and stricter border controls, which would severely obstruct the palace’s objective of retrieving Buddhist scriptures from the western territories.
Thus, they chose to suffer injuries rather than escalate hostilities.
‘That is logical.’
I nodded in agreement just as we crested a hill—and were greeted by the sight of distant, snow-capped mountains.
The vision of those icy peaks sparked a fresh worry in my mind.
“If we continue further northwest, will it not become very cold crossing those mountains?”
The increasing altitude as we headed toward the interior meant a significant climb was ahead.
The sight of snow made me concerned for the children.
The nearer we drew to the Himalayas—even the vicinity of Everest—the more frigid the temperatures would become.
While they were spirit beasts, even they had their limits regarding cold.
Creatures like Seol, Bing, and Dong—though aligned with ice—were not completely impervious to the chill.
At my question, Tenzin glanced back at the young ones riding upon Hwanji and Hwana’s backs, then gave a slight nod.
“We will not be traversing directly over snow, but for approximately one day, the air will likely become quite cold.”
“Is that so? Hmm. Then we ought to prepare.”
We would need to make arrangements to ensure the kids stayed warm. The last time we crossed mountains, the cold was only prevalent at night, so it had been manageable.
But a full day of low temperatures necessitated proactive measures.
I called for Yo-hwa.
“Yo-hwa, it seems we will be crossing a chilly mountain pass. Could you possibly craft some garments for the children using your thread?”
– Kisshi?
“Yes. Clothing. Your thread is insulating, after all.”
As you are aware, Yo-hwa’s thread does not register on infrared vision.
This also indicates its exceptional ability to block thermal transfer.
Since infrared energy is radiated as heat, the fact her silk can block it means it is superb at retaining warmth.
Therefore, I intended for her to fashion simple outfits for the kids.
I was already wearing a vest made from her crimson silk—unbelievably warm and comfortable.
– Kisshishi.
– Kkyuit? 『Why?』
At my request, Yo-hwa gently picked up little Dong, who had been resting on Hwanji and Hwana’s back. She began taking his measurements with her forelegs, then promptly started spinning silk to create the clothes.
Using her two front legs like a loom, she formed a framework and drew silk from her spinnerets, adeptly weaving the shape of the garment.
She once merely gathered silk roughly, but recently, after observing actual weaving artisans, her work had become swift and remarkably intricate.
In a mere moment, she had completed a tiny, expertly fashioned outfit for Dong.
– Kisshishi.
“Finished already? We will only require it for about a day, but this is far too well-made!”
I was on the verge of praising Yo-hwa for the surprisingly high-caliber result when Hwa-eun, who had been conversing with the other women behind us, approached and inquired:
“What is that, So-ryong?”
She looked fascinated by the diminutive, charming outfit in my hands.
Holding it up for her to see, I clarified:
“Ah, it is just a small set of clothes for Dong.”
“For Dong?”
“Yes. Tenzin mentioned we would be passing through a cold area for roughly a day. Not snowy, but still quite chilly.”
“Ahh, so this is for Dong to wear?”
“Yes, Hwa-eun.”
“Then… might I assist him in putting it on?”
“…Pardon?”
“Would that be acceptable? Or… would it not?”
It was such an uncommon, cherished moment—I felt a genuine reluctance to relinquish it.
But honestly, this was Hwa-eun making the request.
How could I possibly refuse?
With a tinge of regret, I replied.
“Well… certainly.”
‘…I wished to do it myself, however.’
I once believed—in my former life—that it would be wonderful to wed someone who shared my hobbies.
That is the typical aspiration of individuals who become deeply engrossed in their interests.
Such as assembling model kits together or rearing the same types of animals.
But now, actually betrothed to someone with parallel passions, I feel compelled to say this:
To anyone dreaming of that sort of partnership—reconsider.
Do you know why?
Because I now find myself having to divide my most treasured experiences in two.
The individual who claimed “shared joy is doubled” had evidently never lived in this manner.
When you share everything, there are occasions when your personal delight diminishes to nothing.
‘So this is the essence of marriage—having your finest moments appropriated by your wife!’
Just as I was reeling from this stark revelation about matrimony, I handed the clothing and Dong over to Hwa-eun… accompanied by meticulous directions.
If I delayed any further, Hwa-eun might begin to feel slighted.
“Above all, do not touch the tail, Hwa-eun.”
“Ah, I understand. The tail could detach, is that it?”
“Yes. It might not be a concern with Seol or Bing, but Dong is still very young. He might panic and drop it.”
“Understood.”
Even though he was a spirit beast, and no ordinary lizard, I still insisted on extreme caution.
For those who keep reptiles, few things are more disheartening than a cherished pet losing its tail.
Certainly, it does not occur readily, but when raising lizards, there are instances where the most improbable event triggers it.
Did you nudge him during feeding?
—Indeed. Time to shed the tail.
Did the tail get pinched in the enclosure door?
—Certainly. Discarding it now.
Did the male nip during breeding?
—Absolutely. Farewell to the tail.
It can happen at the most unreasonable moments.
“We should guide the tail through first. Dong, could you raise your tail for a moment?”
At Hwa-eun’s gentle request, Dong lifted his tail, and she started to dress him in the outfit fashioned from Yo-hwa’s elastic silk.
The design was a one-piece suit with only the mouth area exposed. She carefully threaded the tail through, then the hind legs, followed by the front ones.
Dong now resembled a tiny lizard in a hooded jumpsuit, akin to a space suit.
It bore some similarity to a pre-shedding appearance, but as Yo-hwa’s silk was not see-through like natural skin, Dong now looked like a pure white lizard—as if wearing a mask over his typical blue scales.
“Good heavens, he is utterly adorable!”
The tiny creature, clad in what looked like a hooded space suit, elicited a delighted squeal from Hwa-eun.
“What is it, Hwa-eun?”
“What is happening over there?”
Attracted by the commotion, the other women hurried over. Soon, the forest path was alive with exuberant exclamations.
“Kyaa! What is that!? That is far too cute!”
“Let me see as well!”
“Look only! Please do not touch the tail, alright?”
Everyone was captivated—with the sole exception of myself.

***
Progressing westward with the Himalayas to our right, our group eventually swung directly northward.
We were now thoroughly immersed in mountain trails and high passes.
Inevitably, Gungbong’s complaining commenced once more.
“Aah, my legs ache…”
“Keep your spirits up, Gungbong.”
“Yes, we will pause to rest at that pass ahead.”
His sister-in-law and Eumbong attempted to console him, but Gungbong shot me a sidelong look from next to Hwanji and Hwana.
“Ah, I desire to travel in comfort as well…”
Plainly, he still clung to the fantasy of riding upon Hwanji and Hwana.
Was he still harboring that delusion?
He truly has not surrendered, has he.
Since returning from the mental realm, Hwanji and Hwana had become markedly more tender. They now permitted the children or me to ride on their backs without any issue.
They even honored their promise and allowed me to nap against their bellies.
But that indulgence was extended only to me.
Not even Sister Seol or Hwa-eun were yet permitted upon their backs.
Aside from myself or the spirit beasts, no human had earned the privilege to ride them.
At most, perhaps Seol or Hwa-eun might be allowed someday—but that would be the absolute limit.
Still brooding over his inability to ride Cheongwol, Gungbong continued to yearn.
Even after being hauled away and reprimanded the previous day for his foolishness.
“Those beings do not let anyone near them unless they are family to So So-hyeop. Cease your pleading.”
That was Ji-ryong, rebuking Gungbong after yet another plea of “Might I ride just once, I beg you?”
And what was the response?
“Then I shall become family as well!”
– Pffft!
That remark caused Hwa-eun to choke on her water, spraying it everywhere. Her gaze became lethal as she stared him down.
“Keh-KEH! Gungbong, you and I require a brief discussion!”
She hauled him away. For a full hour.
In my previous life, there were always those peculiar individuals who would visit and plead for a puppy from a litter. Hwa-eun’s glare was identical to the one an owner would direct at such people.
How dare you covet my pet So-ryong?
He is nearly grown and prepared for breeding—
That was the essence of it.
She had lectured him intensely for a solid hour, but evidently his mind had reset itself once again. Entirely forgotten.
Finally, with some encouragement from his sister-in-law and Eumbong, the grumbling Gungbong managed to reach the ridge.
We established camp within a rocky cleft and lit a fire. Despite all his complaints, Gungbong unexpectedly offered to hunt.
“I am going to hunt.”
“We still have ample jerky.”
“I simply… feel unwell.”
It seemed he needed to clear his thoughts.
Everyone was weary from the travel, so he departed alone. A short time later, he returned hauling two enormous monkeys.
“Look at these!”
They possessed golden and red fur on their heads, with vivid blue faces.
“Monkeys… of the Hоu variety, yes?”
“I have never seen their like before.”
“Nor I.”
These monkeys were exceptionally large. Even Sister Seol appeared astonished.
“Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys? Where did you discover these?”
“In that forest yonder. The larger one—it even evaded my arrows!”
“It evaded your arrows!?”
“Yes! I was astounded. I was forced to employ my Chain Shot technique to subdue it.”
The one he indicated appeared to be a male, judging by its size.
Gungbong’s arrows were almost invariably accurate.
The fact that it dodged them—and that he had to resort to Chain Shot, his specialized technique for firing multiple arrows at once—left everyone amazed.
Nonetheless, despite its remarkable agility, that nimble monkey ultimately became our meal.
The following morning.
Gungbong was discovered in a grievous condition.
“Gungbong! Are you alright!?”
“Huff… huff…”
He seemed to be in severe distress.